Birth Control is More Affordable and Offers More Options than Ever
Cost and lack of viable options are no longer barriers to birth control for women. Thanks to health care reforms last year, insurance companies must now fully cover key women’s preventive health services, including birth control, without copays, co-insurance or other extra charges. There are some exceptions to the new birth control provisions, so check with your insurance to determine your coverage. In addition to the Pill, Clinic Sofia offers a wide variety of birth control options for patients, including: Mirena: A intrauterine birth control, Mirena is made of soft, flexible plastic and is more than 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. Particularly recommended for women who have already given birth, it works by releasing small amounts of hormones into the uterus and lasts as long as five years, but can be removed at any time. Skyla: A newly FDA-approved homone releasing intrauterine birth control, Skyla can be placed in the uterus for up to three years, Like Mirena, Skyla is a small, plastic T-shaped device that can be removed at any time. Skyla is ideal for women who have never given birth.
ParaGard: The only hormone-free reversible birth control, ParaGard is another highly effective intrauterine device that’s ideal for women who wish to avoid or can’t tolerate hormones. Safe for up to 10 years, ParaGard is inserted in the uterus and can be removed at any time. ParaGard does not interfere with your monthly cycle but a common side effect is increased cramping and heavy bleeding. Nexplanon: Implanted discreetly in the upper inner arm, Nexplanon is a small hormone-releasing implant that can prevent pregnancy for up to three years. It is 99 percent effective and easy to insert and remove. Essure: Hailed as the most effective permanent birth control available, Essure is surgery- and hormone-free. A quick in-office procedure, the Essure insert is inserted in the fallopian tubes through the vagina, so no incisions are required. Essure is for women who are certain that their family is completed. Depo-Provera: Literally a shot in the arm, Depo-Provera is an effective method of birth control that involves getting a hormone shot every three months. It is safe, simple and long-lasting and can reduce or eliminate periods. If you have questions or are interested in starting or updating your birth control plan, please call us at 952.922.7600 to set up an appointment.
